Searching for the best camping near Paonia, CO? Paonia is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Paonia camping trip.
$20 - $34 / night
"The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"
"Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."
$36 / night
"Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."
"Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."
"Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"
"A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."
$25 - $170 / night
"Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night."
"Our only complaint was that it was quite hot (topped out near 100 degrees)."
"Breathing mountain views, walking distance to the town and wine tasting, hanging with goats and chickens, peaceful, safe and definitely relaxing."
"Location is hard to beat."
"This campground is a gem as other reviewers have cited, BUT the road in is dangerous when wet as there is a lot of exposure off the edge. An AWD would be ok but still dicey on the downhills."
"Plenty of distance between campsites. No electricity or water. 1 satellite toilet... and a great fishing dock and a small beach."
$20 / night
"Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "
"Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."
$32 - $166 / night
"Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."
"Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."
$35 - $725 / night
"It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."
"The tent spots were in a different area on the other side of the property a little away from the busier parts."
"Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."
"There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."
ScoutOnly 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot. Glow of the city lights from below at night is pretty. During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views.
GuideWe love staying here. The campsites were well laid out among the woods. The hiking trails are amazing. The views of the mountain ranges though are a bit limited based upon the location. We are here in late September and it was full but we were lucky enough to get a space after a couple people left
GuideTry out the wilderness area. It is in the same resort but feels more like forested camp ground but can't take RVs over 30 feet, perhaps shorter. Also has water and power but no dump hookup. The main club house is very nice with an indoor pool. The staff is very friendly.
ScoutThis was a great spot just outside The Black Canyon of Gunnison NP. When we arrived there was not anyone there. By the morning there was only 2-3 other campers. Seems like there are quite a few spots. Some better than others. Road is not too but I would recommend a higher clearance vehicle but we never had to use 4WD.
ScoutStayed one night in campsite 02 pull thru. Campground is quiet and sites are spaced out nicely. Great value for site with power. You can walk down to the lake which is beautiful.
ScoutThere are no fees as of my visit. Just outside of town, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful. Big ohv and dirt bike spot.
However, you basically pull into a parking spot. If you go further up the road, it seems like there's basically no regulations here
TravelerOn a friend’s recommendation, we ventured out to this fantastic camping area, just 20 minutes outside of Crested Butte. We were eager to pitch our tent and secure a spot, as our friend had mentioned that it was likely to be “popular.” Surprisingly, at 2:30 PM on a Friday, it seemed to be the last campground available.
We were thrilled with our choice. The campsite offered a breathtaking view of Gothic Mountain, surrounded by a mix of RVs, campervans, and car campers. What truly set this place apart were the cows grazing peacefully around us.
While our section of campers didn’t offer much privacy, other sections further up the road provided more seclusion but at the cost of the stunning views of Gothic Mountain.
After setting up camp and taking a short hike up the road, we returned to Crested Butte to watch our son play soccer. Afterward, we had a quick and delicious dinner at the renowned Secret Stash before heading back to the campsite.
GuideThis camp is dispersed, with beautiful views of Montrose, gorgeous sunrise, and is daily level. There’s no maintenance of any kind, it was reasonably clean, and it was pleasant. We took showers at Ridgeway state park campground. This is 20 mins from the highway in Montrose. It was 52 at night in late September. 80 for a high.
TravelerGreat site in the trees with a huge open area if wanted
Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Paonia, Colorado?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Paonia. Erickson Springs offers a rustic experience right on Anthracite Creek, just off Kebler Pass Road. It's a basic USFS campground with good hiking access to Dark Canyon in the Raggeds Wilderness and fishing opportunities. Another great option is Kebler Corner, situated between Paonia and Kebler Pass with the peaceful sounds of the river nearby. For those willing to venture a bit further, Redstone in White River National Forest provides quiet, tree-surrounded sites with warm showers, while Oh Be Joyful Campground near Crested Butte offers spectacular mountain views with an honor system for fees.
Is there RV camping available in Paonia?
Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins (formerly Tall Texan) offers excellent RV accommodations near Paonia and is described by campers as one of the most beautiful RV parks in Colorado. For those wanting to be closer to recreational activities, The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards near Hotchkiss provides drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. While Paonia itself has limited RV-specific camping, the surrounding area offers several options with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Most RV sites in the region fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are recommended.
What amenities are available at Paonia State Park for campers?
Paonia State Park Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic setting. The campground is located about 15 miles from town and features vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings at each site. The sites are situated under shrubs that provide some shade but can harbor mosquitoes, especially during wet seasons. While the park includes a reservoir, water levels can fluctuate significantly, sometimes completely drying up by late summer. Some campers experience wildlife encounters, including cattle from nearby ranches occasionally wandering through. For more amenities, Crawford State Park nearby offers more reliable water recreation and better-maintained facilities.
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